The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP), an outreach program of the Georgia Institute of Technology, has hired Ben Cheeks as coastal region manager.

From Georgia Tech’s Savannah campus, Cheeks will serve Bulloch, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Screven and Wayne counties.

He and a team of project managers will work with regional manufacturers to help them develop top-line growth and reduce bottom-line costs through process improvement efforts, ISO management systems, energy and sustainability initiatives, and business development services.

“We’re excited to have Ben join the team and the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus,” said Karen Fite, director of GaMEP. ”With extensive experience working within manufacturing plants, including overseas positions, he brings a great skill set to the position.”

In this position, Cheeks will work with Jennifer Bonnett, community catalyst with the Advanced Technology Development Center, to connect Savannah-based, manufacturing-focused technology startups to Georgia Tech resources. Those connections will then be brought back to Georgia Tech through ATDC to create new companies and foster job growth within the region.

“I look forward to connecting with manufacturers in the region, listening to their needs, and establishing long-term relationships,” said Cheeks, who is also finishing his doctoral degree with a focus on innovation in manufacturing.